Developments in genomic science are disproportionately in advance of their translational clinical application. Multidisciplinary clinics are proposed to overcome this1 in many medical fields.2 This is especially so in nephrology, which is typified by significant community disease burden3 and heritability.4 Several renal genetics clinics (RGCs) operate overseas, although their models and outcomes are largely unreported. The first multidisciplinary RGC in Australasia commenced at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in August 2013, involving a clinical geneticist, nephrologist, genetic counsellor, and ancillary clinical and diagnostic services. The departments of clinical genetics and nephrology jointly operate the RGC. The clinical geneticist and nephrologist see families in the same appointment, maximising use of time. In this article, we report this clinical service’s initial outcomes and model for mainstreaming genetic medicine.
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
- 1. Battista RN, Blancquaert I, Laberge AM, et al. Genetics in health care: an overview of current and emerging models. Public Health Genomics 2012; 15: 34-45.
- 2. Zentner D, Thompson TN, James PA, et al. The Cardiac Genetics Clinic: a model for multidisciplinary genomic medicine. Med J Aust 2015; 203: 261. <MJA full text>
- 3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. End-stage kidney disease in Australia: total incidence 2003–2007. Canberra: AIHW, 2011. (AIHW Cat. No. PHE 143.) http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=10737419266&libID=10737419265 (accessed Nov 2015).
- 4. Mallett A, Patel C, Salisbury A, et al. The prevalence and epidemiology of genetic renal disease amongst adults with chronic kidney disease in Australia. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2014; 9: 98.
- 5. Mallett A, Patel C, Maier B, et al. A protocol for the identification and validation of novel genetic causes of kidney disease. BMC Nephrol 2015; 16: 152.
We thank the referrers and patients who have been and continue to be involved in this clinic.
No relevant disclosures.